N5 Verbs (Masu form) Vocabulary for N5 | Examples & Quiz
Study N5 Verbs (Masu form) for N5 with Japanese words, romaji, English meanings, example sentences, pronunciation support, and beginner practice.
Verbs are the engine of the Japanese language. The 'Polite' or 'Masu' form is the standard way to speak to strangers, coworkers, and superiors.
Quick Meaning Box
Understand the core meaning first
Main Japanese
たべます
tabemasu
English Meaning
Eat
Nepali Meaning
खानु
Romaji
tabemasu
Level
JLPT N5
Complete lesson list
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| たべます | tabemasu | Eat | |
| のみます | nomimasu | Drink | |
| みます | mimasu | See / Watch | |
| ききます | kikimasu | Listen / Hear | |
| はなします | hanashimasu | Speak | |
| よみます | yomimasu | Read | |
| かきます | kakimasu | Write |
How To Use It
Use N5 Verbs correctly
Simple Explanation
Use this vocabulary when the situation matches the meaning. First connect the Japanese sound to the meaning, then use it inside a short sentence.
Sentence Structure
たべます (tabemasu) = Eat
Start with this simple structure before making longer sentences.
When To Use
Use it in beginner reading, short answers, daily-life examples, and JLPT review questions where the topic appears naturally.
When Not To Use
Do not force it into every sentence. If another word, particle, or grammar pattern expresses the idea more naturally, choose that instead.
- Japanese learners grow faster when they notice how this topic appears in everyday routines, classroom language, and common study examples.
- Even simple vocabulary lessons become more memorable when students connect them to real situations instead of treating them like a word list only.
Open the full beginner explanation
Verb Groups
To conjugate correctly, you must know which group a verb belongs to:
- Group 1 (U-Verbs): The 'I' sound before 'masu'. Example: 'Kaku' -> 'Kakimasu'.
- Group 2 (Ru-Verbs): Simply drop 'ru' and add 'masu'. Example: 'Taberu' -> 'Tabemasu'.
- Irregular: Only two! 'Suru' -> 'Shimasu' and 'Kuru' -> 'Kimasu'.
The Four Basic Forms
Once you have the Masu-stem, you can express four tenses:
- Masu (Non-past Affirmative): I write.
- Masen (Non-past Negative): I do not write.
- Mashita (Past Affirmative): I wrote.
- Masen deshita (Past Negative): I did not write.
Formula / Pattern Box
Memorize the reusable pattern
Pattern 1
たべます (tabemasu) = Eat
Pattern 2
たべます + です
Pattern 3
たべます + を / が + verb
Pattern 4
Time or place + particle + たべます
Example Sentences
Read, repeat, and understand the usage
Example 1
毎日日本語を勉強します。
Mainichi Nihongo wo benkyou shimasu.
English
I study Japanese every day.
Nepali
म हरेक दिन जापानी पढ्छु।
- Focus: 毎日日本語を勉強します。
- Meaning: I study Japanese every day.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 2
昨日はパンを食べました。
Kinou wa pan wo tabemashita.
English
I ate bread yesterday.
Nepali
मैले हिजो रोटी खाएँ।
- Focus: 昨日はパンを食べました。
- Meaning: I ate bread yesterday.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Example 3
お酒は飲みません。
O-sake wa nomimasen.
English
I do not drink alcohol.
Nepali
म रक्सी पिउँदिनँ।
- Focus: お酒は飲みません。
- Meaning: I do not drink alcohol.
- Role: Use it as the key lesson item.
Common Mistakes
Avoid the beginner traps
Mistake 1
Wrong
Memorize only: "Eat"
Correct
Read たべます, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Trying to memorize N5 Verbs (Masu form) only by translation instead of noticing how it appears in real Japanese patterns.
Mistake 2
Wrong
Memorize only: "Eat"
Correct
Read たべます, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Reviewing the list once and assuming the lesson is finished without testing recall later.
Mistake 3
Wrong
Memorize only: "Eat"
Correct
Read たべます, say the meaning, then use it in one short sentence.
Skipping speaking or writing practice, which makes the lesson harder to use actively.
Practice Section
Turn passive reading into active memory
Task 1
Fill in the blank
Complete the sentence: たべます means Eat.
Task 2
Multiple choice
Choose the best meaning for たべます before checking the lesson list.
Task 3
Sentence building
Make one short beginner sentence using たべます. Keep it simple.
Task 4
Translation practice
Translate this idea into Japanese: Eat.
Extra practice prompts
- Write two original sentences that use N5 Verbs (Masu form) naturally.
- Review the lesson once without notes, then check what you missed.
- Explain the main meaning of this topic in simple English as if teaching another beginner.
Self-check before moving on
- Can I explain the main purpose of N5 Verbs (Masu form) without reading the notes?
- Can I use at least one example from this lesson in my own sentence?
- Can I come back tomorrow and still remember the key meaning or pattern?
Mini Quiz
Check your understanding
Q1. What does たべます mean?
Q2. What does のみます mean?
Q3. What does みます mean?
Q4. What does ききます mean?
Q5. What does はなします mean?
Q6. What does よみます mean?
Q7. What does かきます mean?
Q8. What does 毎日日本語を勉強します。 mean?
Show answer key
- Eat
- Drink
- See / Watch
- Listen / Hear
- Speak
- Read
- Write
- I study Japanese every day.
Real Life Usage
Use the lesson outside flashcards
Conversation Example
A: たべます？
B: はい、たべますです。
tabemasu - Eat
Classroom Example
A teacher may ask you to read, choose, or explain たべます during a beginner review.
Daily Life Example
Use たべます when the meaning "Eat" appears in a simple real situation.
Use N5 Verbs (Masu form) in a short real-life scene
Imagine you are studying or interacting in a simple daily situation where JLPT N5 Japanese is enough. Your goal is to use this lesson clearly and naturally, not perfectly.
- Create one short scene that includes N5 Verbs (Masu form).
- Say or write two useful lines connected to the topic.
- Review what felt difficult and repeat the scene one more time with better accuracy.
FAQ
Common beginner questions
When should I use Masu-form?
Always use Masu-form when speaking to people you aren't close friends with. It shows respect and social competence.
Summary Box
What to remember
Key Point
N5 Verbs becomes useful when you can recognize it, explain it simply, and use it in one short sentence.
Pattern
たべます (tabemasu) = Eat
Next Action
Review with a practice tool3 must-remember examples
- 毎日日本語を勉強します。 - I study Japanese every day.
- 昨日はパンを食べました。 - I ate bread yesterday.
- お酒は飲みません。 - I do not drink alcohol.